Economic Policy Committee (EPC) Ms. Cecilia Rouse
1. What is the mission and mandate of your Committee? The overarching aim of the Economic Policy Committee (EPC) is to contribute to balanced and sustainable economic growth with due attention to social and environmental consequences. We promote financial stability and responsible structural, fiscal, and monetary policies. 2. You have been designated Committee Chair. What is your background and what has convinced you to take up this post? How do you consider your background and experience contribute to such a role and function? In the United States, I am the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA); this position has also traditionally chaired the EPC. In my role as chair of the CEA, I advise President Biden on domestic and international economic policy. As an academic, my focus is on labor economics, but I have also worked in both the Clinton and Obama Administrations. I decided to come back to public service because a core aim of the Biden-Harris Administration’s economic policy agenda is to restore the public sector as a partner in fostering long-run growth. As the pandemic has so clearly proven, it is critical to have effective partnership between the private and public sectors if we are going to effectively respond to our biggest challenges. I enjoy chairing the EPC because sharing experiences and perspectives is key to us all developing stronger and more effective economic policy. Importantly, cooperation tangibly advances our shared economic interests. 3. What is your main priority as Chair? The OECD Vision Statement says it best: "we will pursue sustainable economic growth and employment, while protecting our planet. Our shared endeavour is to end poverty, to tackle inequalities and to leave no one behind. We want to improve the lives and prospects of everyone, inside and outside the OECD." My priority as chair of the EPC is to support work toward achieving these goals by developing actionable policies on behalf of our economies and our people. 4. How would you define the added value of your Committee in relation to the work of the OECD in an international context? How does it differ from other international fora dealing with the same topic? OECD members are committed to shared values. These include the preservation of individual liberty; the values of democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights; and open, trading, competitive, sustainable, and transparent market economies. The EPC has top-notch experts that provide practical perspectives and experiences on fostering sustainable market economies. Our collaboration and expertise are what sets us apart from other international fora.
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